The Snow

So again I've been slacking on my posts, but I've been busy! It's been an interesting few weeks. Marc's been away for almost three weeks and I've been home alone since then and it's been pretty interesting. Mostly I've been working but along the way there's been some things worth writing about.

My Halloween costume! Lol oh you can't tell what it is? Well it's someone pretending that she doesn't live in the middle of nowhere and that she doesn't have to go to work! Lol creative I know! 

My new love is my Starbucks card! There may only be ONE Starbucks in town that is generally completely out of my way but I'm 22 stars away from being Gold Level! So I better drink up! Also if anyone ever wants to buy me random presents Starbucks gift cards are perfect. In this picture I also just got my nails done, I know not very exciting, but I am pretty happy I've found a place here that does a good job! 

Toby is obsessed with trying to get outside, I have no idea why! Probably wants to "chase" bugs, luckily the bugs are dead, thanks to the SNOW but I'm not there yet in my story. 

I attempted to hang new curtains in our bedroom, I say attempted because well if you haven't noticed they are about 5 inches from the floor. The issue is I couldn't put new holes in the wall due to the lack of drill, but they are 100% better then the ugly broken blinds that were up before. Sorry Marc one more job for you to do when you get home. 

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, at least on my stairs. This is what happens when Halloween is over and I get bored. Now I saw this on Pinterest and thought hey that looks easy! Well it has potential to be easy however when multiple extension cords are needed and each light needs to be in the right place and the burlap stuff you bought is the wrong size, and oh you have a cat who wants to play with everything you touch it's not so easy. More Christmas decorations to come! 

I'm famous! Lol clearly kidding but I was in the SaultStar for a post for new management at BP, it is a really strange feeling when a total stranger tells you they saw your picture in the newspaper.

I piled wood! We finally found wood and it was delivered last week however it's all at the front in the drive way and the wood shed is behind the garage. Funny story actually, as I was going outside to move the wood in the shed to make room for the new wood Nicole texts me a picture of female lumberjacks and says that's going to be me! So not really funny but I was amused. Anyways I made room for the new wood and carried about 50 new pieces to the shed, 50 of about 1000! But I tried, maybe I should get a wheelbarrow, or wait for Marc to come home. But really I'm going to get a wheelbarrow. 

The snow is here!!! And it's cold, but I know it's just the beginning! So far my car has been stuck twice, my drive to work is 15-20 minutes long, it takes 10-20 minutes to clean off my car and the water pipes have froze once. 

Last night my car got stuck in my driveway- fire ashes saved the day! 

This morning I woke up to no water, so that sucked! However thanks to a hairdryer and Marc being so smart I was able to unfreeze the pipe that was frozen! But seriously why would anything that has water flowing through it be about the size of a pencil- because really no kidding it's going to freeze! 

Then on my way to work my car decided it didn't want to go in and turned itself around, well the snowy ice maybe made that decision but I ended up stuck again. 

Time to shovel again! Have a great night, missing everyone from Mississauga! 

The Emotions

Since Thanksgiving I've had a wide range of emotions! To sum up Ali went home, my Mom and Stephane came to visit, and Marc was home! So here's what happened along the way.

Before Ali went home we experienced an eight hour power outage. Now I know this doesn't sound too bad but really it is pretty damn scary. Not only is there no lights but it's loud and windy outside, oh and did I mention I live in the middle of no where. So we watched Friends until Ali's computer died and then listened to One Direction ( Ali would be proud to hear this but me wow can't believe I'm admitting to it) until we fell asleep... Yes on the couch instead of our rooms! 

A few days later Ali left me! Basically felt like a break up, the long silent walk to the car and a sad goodbye, followed by a please come back text message. Below is a picture of her empty room! It will always be Ali's room- pretty sure Toby misses her too 

Ali left and my Mom and Stephane arrived- first stop Pino's..mostly because Pino's has a Starbucks! And also probably the best doughnut I've ever had. Chai Tea Latte and Coconut Doughnut.. YUM!

After a fun filled day of shopping and great company came dinner at Giovanni's, below is chicken parm. Also YUM! 

Purchases of the day:

WARM WINTER BOOTS-  never thought I'd ever have to buy these, but I'm so happy I do

My new coat! 

Marc Comes Home! 

We had a fantastic week! It went so fast but I enjoyed every second of it. I also realized I do not take enough pictures. Below are two pictures of Marc going "swimming" now as sunny as it looks it was Freezing, I was wearing two pairs of pants and a winter jacket and was still cold! Marc was fixing our water pipe and I am so thankful he was able to do that for us! 

The last few nights I've been at the house by myself and it's been okay, only a couple windy gusts have scared me a bit but I'm doing great. Fires been going and Toby and I are doing just fine!

However there are things I'm missing (other then friends and family):

Shopping- the mall here SUCKS

Delivery- seriously I have to cook for myself every night

Cable Tv- I need to order cable or satellite soon!

Millions of Starbucks- Seriously there's one here, and it's on the other side of town 

Good Night All! 

The Turkey

It's definitely fall here! And with fall comes Thanksgiving, although it wasn't easy being away from my family in Mississauga Ali and I made the best of it. I was lucky enough to have Thanksgiving Monday off work and I spent that day making my first ever turkey dinner. It was definently an experience! 

First was the stuffing! 

I followed a pretty basic recipe that included spices, bread, celery, butter, and eggs.

While the stuffing was cooling it was time to get the turkey ready. Sticking your hand inside a turkey is not as much fun as it sounds, it's actually pretty gross. Especially when you're not really sure what you are looking for or what it should look like. Maybe I should have paid more attention to the millions of turkey's my mom has made in the past. 

Then the turkey went in the oven and we waited! While we wated we figured it was only fitting that we got dressed up for Thanksgiving dinner, even if it was just Ali and I. Now the reason it was only Ali and I was because I was scared that I would mess up the turkey terribly and I really didn't want to cook the emergency hamburgers that were in the freezer! Once we were looking fantabulous, it was time to pull out the turkey, and I must say it was looking pretty fantabulous as well. 

My craving skills need some work! 

Ta Da!! Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, carrots, and gravy.. Yum! 

And finally there was dessert! Ali made pumpkin pie! And it was awesome 

Happy Thanksgiving! Love Erin and Ali 

The Plumber

I've become a plumber since the last time I've posted! Well kinda... Last night the toilet wouldn't flush so I had to unhook the pipe from the wall to toilet and then when there was no filter on that I had to lay on the floor between the toilet and the sink and pull out an orange filter thingy. Well unfortantly I found out it was two pieces and the second part dropped out and almost fell right in my face. Finally I got a the little rocks out! One rock did get in my eye- and I may have been slightly worried about pink eye no matter how many times I was ensured that was the in pipe not the out pipe I was still cornered about the "poop rocks" in my eye. Ali thought it was hilarious and I may have told her to fuck off but I really didn't mean it! There also may have been a few tears from me, but as Ali says we are beauty queens not plumbers!

In the last week it's been pretty busy and definitely interesting. I've started working full time as a restaurant manager, and it's pretty crazy. I have a lot of work to do and most of the current staff seems pretty excited and willing to see changes but only time will tell. However this blog isn't about my job, it's about my adventures in the bush so I'll move on.

On Wednesday we went into Sault Ste Marie, Michigan to go shopping. Thanks to Jess' guidance and company right across the border there is a TJMaxx, JCPenny, and a few other stores, but most exciting Bath and Body Works! The shopping was slightly better than it is on the Canadian side, but I'm still thinking online shopping is going to be my new go to shopping method. After shopping came lunch at Applebee's, holy it was cheep! And of course with my luck there was hair in my food, they were great and replaced it and I received a free lunch. However I'm thinking next time I cross the boreder I try something different!

Wednesday night I experienced another first! Ali and I attended our first Soo Greyhounds game! And they won! Exciting yes, but very strange at the same time, I am 99% sure everyone there knew each other. And we were outcasts!  

I have discovered I SUCK at chopping wood. I was successful enough to not freeze to death- however shamefully I have to admit I've been using fire starter. Until today when I went stick hunting, yes that's right I went hunting- wore camo and everything. I filled an entire basket full of sticks and twigs pretty great hunting day I must say. Oh and that's Hank the deer. 

The fox now has a name. Meet Gus! 

He is not my friend, but he has turned Ali to his side and now both Marc and Ali think he is a pet! 

As you can see he enjoys cat food and Ali touched his nose! I'm not impressed! 

To sum up the rest of the week in photos:

My new drivers license came in the mail! 

Ali and Toby are best friends

I can fry perch

The view is fantastic! 

  

The Shower

In the last week days have quickly turned to nights and then back into days!

I have come to the conclusion on several things:

1. Lance sucks at killing spiders, but he's pretty good at drying dishes! Sorry Lance ! 

2. Ali makes great dinners and so do I 

3. Marc likes foxes

4. Don't beat Ali and Marc in Monopoly- because they team up on me in the next game

5. I need a dishwasher- the machine not a person 

6. I have no idea how to test the chemicals in a hot tub

7. Going back to work is interesting 

8. Rainbow cakes are awesome 

9. Foxes like cat food

10. Cans of pop at the closest store are still $1 each but Monsters are $4 each 

Since I have moved here other then Boston Pizza (where I'm working) the only place I've had food that was not cooked by Ali or myself was at Fratelli's Kitchen. The best mozzarella sticks I have ever eaten! I had the meatball sub with onion rings- onion rings were yummy, so were the meatballs and cheese; but I wasn't a fan of the multigrain bun it was on. Ali had a panzarotti- it was cheesy but baked. It didn't have the greasy goodness she was looking for. However looking around the pizza looked amazing, and I'm sure I'll go back! 

I have actually started eating leftovers- maybe because dinners have been great! 

So far we have cooked:  (if anyone is interested in recipes let me know and I'll post)

Tofu and Shrimp Peanut Stirfry

Spaghetti and Ali's home made meatballs 

Butter Chicken

Tacos 

Cheeseburgers

Fabulous home made salad dressing 

Stuffed pasta with olive oil, garlic, and chili peppers

Roast beef dinner- including Yorkshire pudding

Ham with scalloped potatoes  

Tofu and Shrimp Stirfry 

Butter Chicken

Ham Dinner 

Since I am on the topic of cooking- rainbow tie die cakes are awesome ! I feel like the pictures explain the awesomeness! For instructions let me know! 

It was DELICIOUS !! 

Marc wants a PET FOX! You know the one that peed on my flowers and trapped Ali and I in the house! Well that fox is Marc's new buddy! Something I can not even imagine! Marc fed the fox roast beef (before any person even got to eat it) and Toby's food! Trust me no matter how much Marc wants a Christmas picture that includes the fox, that fox is not coming in the house! Well no closer then that the fox is in the next few pictures: 

Oh and the reason I called this post "The Shower" guess what!?!? No more hot lava showers!!!! THANKS Marc 😘

Good night everyone! 

Side note this means Ali and I started a wood stove-well kinda 

The Never Ending Boxes

I have been surrounded by boxes for the past week, and I'm finally no longer living out of a million boxes. 

Unpacking and Cleaning- Monday September 22nd 

Seems that all I've done all week is clean, sort, unpack and throw out things! Monday started extremely early because Toby would not stop meowing, we have no idea what his deal was but Marc was ready to put him outside. Marc went into town to do all of his running around, while Ali and I tackled some more boxes. We also discovered one of Toby's new hiding spots- he discovered that if he climbs up thru a cubby under the stairs and then disappears! Well not really but he does get into the hall closet and hangs out with my tool box (yes MY toolbox) and all the cleaning supplies. Monday night Marc fixed the water in the bathroom sink, turns out we just needed to clean out the filter. However there is still no cold water in the shower, now this may not seem like a bad thing but trust me it is! The shower BURNS! Fingers crossed it's only a couple more days of burning lava showers! 

Shopping! Tuesday September 23rd

The day started with shoe shopping- sounds fun right? Well it's definitely a different experience here! I was looking for a pair of black flats for work, I was thinking I'd have a hard time deciding what pair I wanted, but oh was I wrong! There was ONE shoe store at the mall, something I am not used to; and of course the couple pairs that I did like didn't come in my size. So Walmart it was! I actually found a pretty cute pair, however I think it will be online shopping from now on! 

Next stop Dollarama, Starbucks in hand Ali and I cruised up and down the aisles looking for store baskets for the kitchen including one big enough for Marc's Rambo knives, and the laundry room, as well as anything else that we needed. 20 bucks later and a whole bunch of necessary stuff we were finished at the dollar store, and very impressed I must say! 

Then it was off to Canadian Tire and Winners! Canadian Tire was very exciting because I was there to get house keys cut! Winners was also pretty exciting, however Ali was acting as my conscience and wouldn't let me buy anything. I did get away with one new decoration, but I have put it up yet because I need a stud finder, so photos are to come.

Next stop the grocery store! Surprisingly a lot of fun- our cart was over flowing; we weren't sure where all the food was going to go but we made it work once we got home. Still a little strange to call being here home, but I couldn't be happier! 

Our last stop for the day was Walmart for a few more things including a shoe rack, a clothing rolling rack, a file box, and a clothes steamer. All very necessary! Then it was home time!

Once we got home we cleaned out the fridge and freezer. Then we had our first encounter with a wild animal! It was a FOX! We quickly ran back into the house and slammed the door- the fox wondered around and PEED on my flowers. When I called Marc to ask him what to do he told me to feed him, I thought he was nuts! Eventually the fox ran away and we were safe! At least for now. 

The Move

The past few days have been a crazy blur! So I am going to do my best to break it down and not forget any exciting details.

Packing the Truck- Friday September 19th

Friday started off a bit interesting when I had about a two minute freak out thing about how this was the last morning I was going to wake up in this apartment. I definitely considered staying in bed and hiding from the world, but this thought was quickly changed when I looked over at my phone and had a good morning text from Marc. I then remembered how excited I was and it was time to move my butt. At 12 noon I drove over to pick up the Uhaul from a slightly sketchy ethnic grocery store, after a couple bumps the truck made it to my apartment. And then I waited for my for my fabulous helpers to arrive. While I was waiting I took apart my bed and the pink couch- not an easy task! 

First to arrive was Ali and we surprisingly got right to work! Well after we took a few truck pictures.

After Ali and I had 75% of the truck filled up, my Mom and Stephane came over to finish the job. It felt like a very long day by the time I climbed into bed but it was nothing compared to what was to come ! 

Moving Day- Saturday September 20th

5 am wake up call! Yuck! This was definetly an emotional morning to say the least. We packed the last few things into the truck and it was time to go. Well almost I had to say my see you soons, first was to Zipper (my 16 year old family cat), then it was Stephane, and then my Mom. This was not an easy morning! Once the tears stopped Ali and I jumped in her vehicle with Toby in his cat box we were on our way, and my dad and Beth were on their way in the truck. 

First stop: Tim Hortons in Barrie- Toby has meowed for 90% of the hour drive and Ali is ready for a nap. Coffee and breakfast in hand it's my turn to drive. 

Second stop: Gas station I thought was in Espanola- Toby is still meowing! But Ali is awake now and the fun begins!

Third stop: Wendy's in Espanola- Two spicy chickens to go, and Ali and I are happy people (however we did forget the fudge). Side note no matter how many articles that you read a cat will NOT use a litter box in a parking lot, seriously don't even try!! 

Fourth stop: Side of the road- Toby was stopped making noises in the back I made Ali pull over to double check he was still there 

Fifth stop: The LCBO in Sault Ste Marie! Because clearly we needed PB's and beers for all our wonderful helpers! 

Sixth stop: Goulais River- My new home 

Along the way there was some fantastic singing, dancing, and some new jams! All fueled by caffeine and candy. Caffeine thanks to Starbucks, Tim Hortons, and Wendy's and candy supplied by Patti and Greg! 

And then we arrived! Within 30 seconds Ali's truck was unloaded and then we waited for the Uhaul to arrive, about 30 minutes later all of my stuff pulled into the driveway. I was thinking everyone would laugh about how much stuff I had but to my surprise the reaction was much different. The truck was unloaded in less than 20 minutes and there were boxes EVERYWHERE! But I was really not any part of me that was ready to deal with any of the boxes, so I supervised Ali and Lance putting together my bed and the pink couch up in the loft aka Ali's bedroom for the next month. I must say it looks fabulous up there- maybe because it reminds me of my old apartment. 

Thank you Steve, Greg, Stacey, Barbie, Lance, Beth, Dad, and Ali for helping me unload oh and for feeding me pizza and lasagna. Bed time happened at about 9:30 pm and I couldn't have been happier! 

Unpacking and Cleaning- Sunday September 21st

Another early morning thanks to my dad deciding that at 6 am the wood stove NEEDED to be cleaned out, but really we all know it could have waited, at least he made coffee. Then we emptied the dirty hot tub, and attempted to refill it. This is when we realized something was wrong with the water, the hose was dribbling, the bathroom sink was at a stand still, and the shower only was HOT! Poor Marc another stressful fly day, I promise there will be a day when your fly days don't involve phone calls from me about smoking trucks or the lack of water in the house. Then it was time to return the truck and do some shopping, Canadian Tire shopping- definetly different then my usual shopping choice but 100% needed! After tearing my dad away from the camo- because he really needs camo in Toronto, poor Beth, it was time for chicken wings! After a great lunch with great company it was time to take my dad and Beth to the airport. 

Ali and I then returned home to CLEAN, and oh boy did we clean. Sorry Marc but it was nasty. First stop on the cleaning train was the bathroom. Rubber gloves on we were ready to go!

Trust me I will spare you the details! But I'll say there was some serious laughs, and maybe a few near gagging experiences but I'll leave it at that !

So here's some bathroom cleaning tips:

Be brave!

Ware gloves!

Buy scrubbing bubbles cleaner! 

Have a brave friend! 

Now the bathroom sparkles and it looks awesome... I almost forget the colour of the walls. 

Bathroom finish! It's never looked so fantastic, now the kitchen. As much cleaning as the bathroom needed the kitchen was a task and a half! 

The kitchen involved cleaning, sorting, removing, and putting away. Trust me not an easy task! Marc wasn't home for this so some hard decisions were made on his behalf, I swear I didn't throw out any of his things, but there is a box that is going to charity. The kitchen finally feels organized however I forget where I've put things, but I'm sure I'll figure it out.

Then it was time to pick up Marc from the airport, time for him to see the changes and the boxes!